10 Facts You Need to Know about “Amazing Grace”

Today is Good Friday, the celebration of the day on which Jesus died. Though it meant unimaginable suffering for Him, we call it “good” because by His death He purchased salvation for everyone who repents and believes. In gratitude for His forgiveness, John Newton penned the words to the church’s most beloved song: “Amazing Grace.” Worship Christ with us today by reflecting on 10 facts about this song and His love. Then listen to the inspiring rendition that follows.

10. The lyrics were written by a British slave trader turned pastor.

9. John Newton wrote it for a New Year’s Day church service in 1773.

8. Newton later helped William Wilberforce end the British slave trade.

7. Newton died in 1807, the year the slave trade was abolished in England.

6. William Walker added the current melody to the lyrics in his 1835 hymnal.

5. There are 972 known arrangements of the song and over 3200 recordings.

4. “Amazing Grace” is considered to be the anthem of the Cherokee nation because this was the song they sang on the Trail of Tears in 1838-39.

3. The hymn’s final verse was not written by Newton. It was added by Harriet Beecher Stowe to a version she included in her novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

2. John Newton never ceased to be amazed at God’s amazing grace. He was heard to say near the end of his life, “Although my memory is fading, I remember two things very clearly: “I am a great sinner and Jesus Christ is a great Savior.”

1. His “Amazing Grace” saved a wretch like me!

God’s amazing grace has changed the world forever. The rendition that follows is sung by Il Divo in the ruins of the Roman Coliseum. That is fitting for it was the death of believers touched by the grace of Jesus that finally put an end to the brutality of that evil place. Be sure to listen to the final inspiring verse and pray for Jesus to return soon and put an end to evil and violence forever.

7 responses to “10 Facts You Need to Know about “Amazing Grace””

I was saved by grace through faith when I was 12. I could not resist any longer. I received Jesus Christ as my Savior. 48 year later I realized I had not recognized Him as the King of my life. So at the age of 60 I asked Him to be Lord of my life. My wife says that I have changed since that asking. O Lord it took so long but it took. You did it. You broke through my pride and arrogance. You turned me into mush. Use me. I yield to You as much as I know how. If I can do anyhting for You, I want to. If your find me worthy I will be honored. You are my King. You are my Redeemer. I know that You live and on the earth again shall stand. Come quickly for Your bride. In Jesus Name Amen.

Dr. & Mrs. Gary A. Schwarz

Gary and Cheryl are founders of Principles for Life Ministries. They have been happily married for 44 years, working side-by-side as pastor and wife in several Bible-believing churches and also as missionary teachers in Romania and Central America. They have two beautiful Christian daughters, Heidi and Rebecca, who are both married to good Christian men, Ben and Aaron. Ben and Heidi lead a full-time ministry called Chasing Ebenezer. Aaron is an IT specialist. He and Rebecca have a 6-year old son named Malcolm and a 3-year old daughter named Moriah. (3 John 4) We all live in the Portland, Oregon area.